Bugaksan, Mountain and scenic site in northern Seoul, South Korea.
Bugaksan is a 342-meter granite peak in northern Seoul that overlooks Gyeongbokgung Palace and forms part of the Seoul City Wall's mountain ridge system. The site is crossed by hiking trails accessible from multiple entry points including Changuimun, Sukjeongmun, and Malbawi.
The site was closed to public access for 40 years following a 1968 North Korean infiltration attempt targeting the Blue House. This extended closure significantly reshaped how people relate to the mountain today.
The site holds ancient stone fortifications that shaped Seoul's defensive identity during the Joseon Dynasty. Walking through reveals how these structures once protected the city and remain visible to this day.
Entry points around the mountain offer numbered badges from information centers to access the hiking trails. It helps to start at one of these centers to understand the route options before setting out.
The Cheonggyecheon stream originates from this mountain, an often-overlooked aspect of the city's water system. Additionally, the Bugak Skyway has served since 1968 as a driving route along the northeast ridge, offering a different way to experience the site.
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